A fast moving trough is expected to hit Kapiti and Horowhenua on Wednesday and could bring severe wind gusts of up to 110kmh, hailstones of up to 10cm in diameter, thunderstorms and small tornadoes.

The storm is expected to hit the Kapiti Coast after moving through western parts of Buller and Nelson on Wednesday.

Thunderstorms are expected to accompany the trough, which could become severe with damaging wind gusts in excess of 110kmh.

The high winds could cause structural damage to trees and power lines, and might make driving hazardous.

MetService will continue to monitor the situation closely for severe thunderstorm development and will issue further updates.

Waikanae farmer Peter Gibson has just finished cleaning up the devastation from a tornado that ripped through his Ngarara Rd property on July 9 last year and does not want any further damage.

Mr Gibson has finished repairing his roof which had about 200 tiles ripped off by the twister. The tornado also snapped 500 pine trees about six metres from the ground which he removed a month ago after having to build a road to get them out. He was still finding roofing tiles in his paddocks.

"We are pretty much cleaned up. I don't like the thought of thunderstorms and heavy winds," he said.

Meanwhile, the Desert Rd in the central North Island has been closed due to heavy snow overnight.

Police communications Inspector Marty Parker said the state highway one road was closed about 6.30pm.

Snow has also fallen on Mt Bruce on state highway two between Masterton and Eketahuna.